RR: Changing Trails

"Ride-A-Lot" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

[Inline on my Website]

I have ridden Two Elk a number of times and it still remains my favorite.
However, things are changing on this once proud piece of singletrack.
Neglect and low use of the last few years and weather have taken it's
toll. What once was listed as an easy roll through the back bowls of
Vail, is now quite technical in a lot of places. Rutted, eroded, rooty,
rocky, and overgrown. OK, for many that makes it more enjoyable. For me
that means a little more work on my skills.

I was actually heading to Vail to visit with my previous employees. Luck
would have it that the Front Range Mountain Bike Patrol was having their
"fun ride" on the same day. Having just signed up with them, I was
anxious to meet them and this would be a great opportunity. We met at
Meadow Mountain and then left one car in Minturn and drove up to Vail
Pass.

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4200.jpg

Stu, Keith, and I set out on the long climb to Bowmans Shortcut of of
Shrine Pass.

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4201.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4203.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4205.jpg

Bowmans short cut is the second climb of this Journey. Only about four
miles, but steep (read: hike-a-bike) in places and technical as it nears
the Two Elk trailhead.

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4207.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4209.jpg

A stop for some views and then the climb continues.

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4210.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4212.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4213.jpg

As we near Two Elk we are climbing over many downed trees and rutted trail
that was once smooth. Some of these spots are unexpected and in some ways
I am glad. By the time I realize how bad they are I am down it.

Reaching the meadow, I breath a sigh of relief. Time to rest my hands as
I pry them from the brake levers.

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4215.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4219.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4220.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4221.jpg

Finally, we reach the trailhead. It's all downhill from here!

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4223.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4224.jpg

But not before we sample the wildflowers!

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4226.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4230.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4231.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4232.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4234.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4235.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4236.jpg

Can you see why I love this trail?

It's now about 14 miles of downhill to the end in Minturn. The trail now
varies from a deeply grooved six inch singletrack at the top. Hit the
sides at speed and your done for.

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4237.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4239.jpg

The trail smooths at a bit as you reach the bottom of the bowls.

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4241.jpg

And then the real fun begins with rocky technical and exposed sections. I
draw much blood here as I try to dab on the right side to keep my balance
(something I have a little of trouble with when there's exposure. My
right leg gets cut pretty bad as it smashes into rocks and branches along
the way. Doesn't matter, it's still fun.

One thing is certain, this trail is not getting used enough because it
needs a pruning!

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4242.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4243.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4247.jpg

Umm, I didn't make this one and kind of did a face plant.

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/IMG_4248.jpg

Once across the stream, the trail smooths out to a beautiful pine tree
ride back to the car. On the way back to the pass, we stop in Lionshead
for some Moes BBQ. Good stuff!

GPS info:

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/2elkpro.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/2elktop.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/2elksat.jpg

--
o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
www.schnauzers.ws

Once again R-A-L posts a great ride.
At the rate your trying the trails, you'll be a first tier climber in no
time!
One day I'll have to make it to Colorado..
Thanks for the post and pictures.

D Drew

Ride-A-Lot said:

[Inline on my Website]

I have ridden Two Elk a number of times and it still remains my
favorite. However, things are changing on this once proud piece of
singletrack. Neglect and low use of the last few years and weather have
taken it's toll. What once was listed as an easy roll through the back
bowls of Vail, is now quite technical in a lot of places. Rutted,
eroded, rooty, rocky, and overgrown. OK, for many that makes it more
enjoyable. For me that means a little more work on my skills.

<snip>

Quoted message said:

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/2elkpro.jpg

A trail's profile doesn't get much better than that :-)
____
Slack

Slack said:

Ride-A-Lot said:

[Inline on my Website]

I have ridden Two Elk a number of times and it still remains my
favorite. However, things are changing on this once proud piece of
singletrack. Neglect and low use of the last few years and weather
have taken it's toll. What once was listed as an easy roll through
the back bowls of Vail, is now quite technical in a lot of places.
Rutted, eroded, rooty, rocky, and overgrown. OK, for many that makes
it more enjoyable. For me that means a little more work on my skills.

<snip>

Quoted message said:

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/2elkpro.jpg

A trail's profile doesn't get much better than that :-)
____
Slack

LOL!

Yes it does. On the other side of these bowls you can take the Gondola.

--
o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
www.schnauzers.ws

"Ride-A-Lot" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Slack said:

Ride-A-Lot said:

[Inline on my Website]

I have ridden Two Elk a number of times and it still remains my
favorite. However, things are changing on this once proud piece of
singletrack. Neglect and low use of the last few years and weather have
taken it's toll. What once was listed as an easy roll through the back
bowls of Vail, is now quite technical in a lot of places. Rutted,
eroded, rooty, rocky, and overgrown. OK, for many that makes it more
enjoyable. For me that means a little more work on my skills.

<snip>

Quoted message said:

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/2elkpro.jpg

A trail's profile doesn't get much better than that :-)
____
Slack

LOL!

Yes it does. On the other side of these bowls you can take the Gondola.

You could have cheated and started recording the gps route while driving up
to vail pass.....

and no, that's not what I did on my epic ride..........

really.

Good stuff. I didn't ride this weekend. My riding buds were out of town
and it was too freaking hot(plus I had to watch the TT in the tour on
Saturday, live) . Three days of record highs and we're shooting for two
more days of this.

but it's not due to global warming.........

Gary

"Slack" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:op.tc6c85h75jd7qu@slacker...

Quoted message said:

Ride-A-Lot said:

[Inline on my Website]

I have ridden Two Elk a number of times and it still remains my
favorite. However, things are changing on this once proud piece of
singletrack. Neglect and low use of the last few years and weather have
taken it's toll. What once was listed as an easy roll through the back
bowls of Vail, is now quite technical in a lot of places. Rutted,
eroded, rooty, rocky, and overgrown. OK, for many that makes it more
enjoyable. For me that means a little more work on my skills.

<snip>

Quoted message said:

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/2elkpro.jpg

A trail's profile doesn't get much better than that :-)
____
Slack

Spoken like a true DH'er ;-) Ready to climb San Juan any time soon Patr...
er Slack?

CG

"GeeDubb" wrote
Three days of record highs and we're shooting for two

Quoted message said:

more days of this.

but it's not due to global warming.........

Gary

Of course not, it's cow flatulence ;-)

CG

Chris Glidden said:

"Slack" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:op.tc6c85h75jd7qu@slacker...

Quoted message said:

Ride-A-Lot said:

[Inline on my Website]

I have ridden Two Elk a number of times and it still remains my
favorite. However, things are changing on this once proud piece of
singletrack. Neglect and low use of the last few years and weather
have
taken it's toll. What once was listed as an easy roll through the back
bowls of Vail, is now quite technical in a lot of places. Rutted,
eroded, rooty, rocky, and overgrown. OK, for many that makes it more
enjoyable. For me that means a little more work on my skills.

<snip>

Quoted message said:

http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/072206/2elkpro.jpg

A trail's profile doesn't get much better than that :-)
____
Slack

Spoken like a true DH'er ;-) Ready to climb San Juan any time soon
Patr...
er Slack?

CG

I aint climbing jack in this damn heat... it's actually giving me flash
backs to *that* day.
____
Slack - will trade the heat for a hurricane, flood or earthquake (under
8.0)

Slack said:

Quoted message said:

I aint climbing jack in this damn heat... it's actually giving me flash
backs to *that* day.
____
Slack - will trade the heat for a hurricane, flood or earthquake (under
8.0)

The heat is brutal, I can't remember it being this bad ever. I don't
have any desire to do any lengthy climbs myself these days, hoping for
some cooler days very soon. Are you still riding your DH rig or do you
have something that is capable of making a climb? I'm riding A/W
Canyon tonight at 5:30 if you're interested.

Chris Glidden said:

Slack said:

Quoted message said:

I aint climbing jack in this damn heat... it's actually giving me flash
backs to *that* day.
____
Slack - will trade the heat for a hurricane, flood or earthquake (under
8.0)

The heat is brutal, I can't remember it being this bad ever.

I've been to hotter places but it definitely has never been this hot in
SoCal in my entire life. 112 in Burbank on Saturday and 105 at my place!

Greg

--
"All my time I spent in heaven
Revelries of dance and wine
Waking to the sound of laughter
Up I'd rise and kiss the sky" - The Mekons

G.T. said:

Chris Glidden said:

Slack said:

>
I aint climbing jack in this damn heat... it's actually giving me flash
backs to *that* day.
____
Slack - will trade the heat for a hurricane, flood or earthquake (under
8.0)

The heat is brutal, I can't remember it being this bad ever.

I've been to hotter places but it definitely has never been this hot in
SoCal in my entire life. 112 in Burbank on Saturday and 105 at my place!

Greg

112 at my house in Laguna Niguel on Saturday, 107 on Monday. The
heat's not so bad (right?!?!?!), it's the high humidity that's been
freakin horrendous. You would think we were in South East Asia.
What's kind of scary is that this is not isolated to a specific
geographic location. High temps across the nation, AND record breaking
highs across Europe. Symptom of global warming? Who knows. In the
past I have kind of "poo-pooed" the whole global warming thing with the
rationalization that these things are cyclical (ie. the Ice Ages, etc)
but the weather this summer has been pretty dramatic. Who know how log
our good planet can sustain 5+ billion humans and the havoc we create
in keeping everyone alive (livestock, farming, lumber, etc.)? Kinda
makes ya' think.

CG

Chris Glidden said:

G.T. said:

Chris Glidden said:

Slack wrote:

> I aint climbing jack in this damn heat... it's actually giving me flash
> backs to *that* day.
> ____
> Slack - will trade the heat for a hurricane, flood or earthquake (under
> 8.0)

The heat is brutal, I can't remember it being this bad ever.

I've been to hotter places but it definitely has never been this hot in
SoCal in my entire life. 112 in Burbank on Saturday and 105 at my place!

Greg

112 at my house in Laguna Niguel on Saturday, 107 on Monday. The
heat's not so bad (right?!?!?!), it's the high humidity that's been
freakin horrendous. You would think we were in South East Asia.
What's kind of scary is that this is not isolated to a specific
geographic location. High temps across the nation, AND record breaking
highs across Europe. Symptom of global warming? Who knows. In the
past I have kind of "poo-pooed" the whole global warming thing with the
rationalization that these things are cyclical (ie. the Ice Ages, etc)
but the weather this summer has been pretty dramatic. Who know how log
our good planet can sustain 5+ billion humans and the havoc we create
in keeping everyone alive (livestock, farming, lumber, etc.)? Kinda
makes ya' think.

CG

Yeah! We should get rid of everyone othe rthan A.M-Bers. That'll do it!

--
o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
www.schnauzers.ws

Ride-A-Lot said:

Quoted message said:

Yeah! We should get rid of everyone othe rthan A.M-Bers. That'll do it!

--
o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
www.schnauzers.ws

Not enough female A.M-Bers. The human race would die out in no time.
Or be really inbred. "Soooey!!! Squeal like a pig!!!!"

Chris Glidden said:

Slack said:

Quoted message said:

I aint climbing jack in this damn heat... it's actually giving me flash
backs to *that* day.
____
Slack - will trade the heat for a hurricane, flood or earthquake (under
8.0)

The heat is brutal, I can't remember it being this bad ever. I don't
have any desire to do any lengthy climbs myself these days, hoping for
some cooler days very soon. Are you still riding your DH rig or do you
have something that is capable of making a climb? I'm riding A/W
Canyon tonight at 5:30 if you're interested.

No more DH'ing for me, at least for the next couple years, so it's
strictly xc duty. Thanks for the offer, but I have homework to do.

I do miss A/W...
____
Slack

G.T. said:

Chris Glidden said:

Slack said:

>
I aint climbing jack in this damn heat... it's actually giving me flash
backs to *that* day.
____
Slack - will trade the heat for a hurricane, flood or earthquake (under
8.0)

The heat is brutal, I can't remember it being this bad ever.

I've been to hotter places but it definitely has never been this hot in
SoCal in my entire life. 112 in Burbank on Saturday and 105 at my place!

Greg

I gotta agree. I can recall some heat waves back in the 70's, but this is
the worse. I'm this > < far from buying a
http://www.air-n-water.com/portable-air-conditioners.htm

I've only experienced hotter conditions on one occasion down in Baja. I'm
guessing is was around 120 with the hillside on fire and no AC in the car.
Birds weren't even flying it was so dang hot. I seriously thought we were
going to die.
____
Slack

Slack said:

G.T. said:

Chris Glidden said:

Slack wrote:

>>
> I aint climbing jack in this damn heat... it's actually giving me flash
> backs to *that* day.
> ____
> Slack - will trade the heat for a hurricane, flood or earthquake (under
> 8.0)
The heat is brutal, I can't remember it being this bad ever.

I've been to hotter places but it definitely has never been this hot
in SoCal in my entire life. 112 in Burbank on Saturday and 105 at my
place!

Greg

I gotta agree. I can recall some heat waves back in the 70's, but this
is the worse. I'm this > < far from buying a
http://www.air-n-water.com/portable-air-conditioners.htm

I've only experienced hotter conditions on one occasion down in Baja.
I'm guessing is was around 120 with the hillside on fire and no AC in
the car. Birds weren't even flying it was so dang hot. I seriously
thought we were going to die.
____
Slack

I've got a portable in my apt and I couldn't live without it. Vary
effective.

http://www.schnauzers.ws/ac.jpg

--
o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
www.schnauzers.ws

Ride-A-Lot said:

Slack said:

On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 10:14:17 -0700, G.T. <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Chris Glidden wrote:
> Slack wrote:
>
>>>
>> I aint climbing jack in this damn heat... it's actually giving me
>> flash
>> backs to *that* day.
>> ____
>> Slack - will trade the heat for a hurricane, flood or earthquake
>> (under
>> 8.0)
> The heat is brutal, I can't remember it being this bad ever.

I've been to hotter places but it definitely has never been this hot
in SoCal in my entire life. 112 in Burbank on Saturday and 105 at my
place!

Greg

I gotta agree. I can recall some heat waves back in the 70's, but this
is the worse. I'm this > < far from buying a
http://www.air-n-water.com/portable-air-conditioners.htm
I've only experienced hotter conditions on one occasion down in Baja.
I'm guessing is was around 120 with the hillside on fire and no AC in
the car. Birds weren't even flying it was so dang hot. I seriously
thought we were going to die.
____
Slack

I've got a portable in my apt and I couldn't live without it. Vary
effective.

http://www.schnauzers.ws/ac.jpg

Cool
____
Slack

G.T. said:

Chris Glidden said:

Slack said:

>
I aint climbing jack in this damn heat... it's actually giving me flash
backs to *that* day.
____
Slack - will trade the heat for a hurricane, flood or earthquake (under
8.0)

The heat is brutal, I can't remember it being this bad ever.

I've been to hotter places but it definitely has never been this hot in
SoCal in my entire life. 112 in Burbank on Saturday and 105 at my place!

Greg

I just noticed something. I can turn the peanut butter jar upside down and
it will start sliding out
____
Slack

Slack said:

On Wed, 26 Jul 2006 18:02:05 -0700, Ride-A-Lot
<[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I've got a portable in my apt and I couldn't live without it. Vary
effective.

http://www.schnauzers.ws/ac.jpg

Quoted message said:

Cool

That blows.

Bill "little desk fan goes from room to room with me" S.

"Slack" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:op.tdbnqrxp5jd7qu@slacker...

Quoted message said:

Chris Glidden said:

Slack said:

>

No more DH'ing for me, at least for the next couple years, so it's
strictly xc duty. Thanks for the offer, but I have homework to do.

I do miss A/W...
____
Slack

I haven't riden A/W in 6 months or more. I need to get there again..
Pretty much been riding Santiago truck trail and El Moro..
Rode Santiago Truck to Old Camp last saturday. Started at 7am, by the time I
was coming down through Whiting, I thought I would pass out. It must of been
105+ in places by then, and it was mostly down hill!
Stop at starbucks with the bike and a Pomegranate frap cooled me right
down....
Ahh.. so cooll...

D Drew